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Desert Cove Quilt: The Rainbow One

 

Desert Cove Quilt - The Rainbow One | A modern quilt pattern by Nollie Bean

Hey there, fellow quilters and fabric enthusiasts! I am beyond excited to share the story behind my latest quilt, the Desert Cove Quilt. This quilt holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. So, grab a cozy beverage, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of the Desert Cove Quilt together!

Looking to make your own Desert Cove Quilt?  Pick up the pattern here!

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Let’s start from the beginning. The Desert Cove Quilt pattern was released back in January 2022, and I have to say, it might just be my favorite pattern to date. There's something magical about it – the way it looks intricate and complex but is actually quite easy and fast to sew up. It's a perfect blend of style and simplicity, making it a delightful project for quilters of all skill levels.

Desert Cove Quilt - The Rainbow One | A modern quilt pattern by Nollie Bean

The fabrics for this quilt are another story of serendipity and friendship. My dear friend Justine of Great Heron Thread Co. curated a stunning fabric bundle for this pattern. This kit was offered when the pattern was released, and let me tell you, it is a beautiful rainbow of fabrics that instantly caught my eye. The vibrant colors and playful prints bring such joy and life to the quilt. Each piece of fabric feels like a little burst of happiness, making the entire quilting process even more enjoyable.

Now, let’s talk techniques. The Desert Cove Quilt uses strip piecing, which is one of my favorite methods. It’s efficient, straightforward, and makes mixing up the fabrics a dream. The process involves sewing long strips of fabric together and then cutting them into smaller units, which are then pieced together to create the quilt blocks. This method not only speeds up the process but also ensures that each block has a delightful mix of colors and patterns. It’s like creating a beautiful mosaic, one strip at a time.

Desert Cove Quilt - The Rainbow One | A modern quilt pattern by Nollie Bean

Though the quilt top came together quickly in 2022, I have a little confession to make – this quilt sat waiting for binding for over two years after it returned from being long-arm quilted. Life gets busy, and sometimes projects get put on hold. But finally, I found the time and motivation to finish it, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. The feeling of completing a project and seeing it in all its glory is unmatched.

Throughout the quilting process, I didn’t encounter any major challenges. The pattern is straightforward and beginner-friendly, which is exactly what I had in mind when designing it. However, finding the time to finish the binding was a bit of a hurdle. If there’s one piece of advice I can give to fellow quilters, it’s this: just jump right in! The Desert Cove Quilt is a fantastic project for beginners. The cutting is simple, starting out with 2 1/2 inch strips, and the block-based construction is easy to follow. Don't overthink it – embrace the process and enjoy every step.

Desert Cove Quilt - The Rainbow One | A modern quilt pattern by Nollie Bean

One of the things I love most about the Desert Cove Quilt is how it aligns with Nollie Bean’s mission to inspire you to make functional works of art. This pattern is where I truly began to see my design voice start to shine. I love playing with colors and creating designs that are visually striking yet simple to construct, and BONUS you get to play with a lot of fabric! The Desert Cove Quilt embodies this philosophy perfectly. It’s a quilt that any maker would be proud to create and use.

Desert Cove Quilt - The Rainbow One | A modern quilt pattern by Nollie Bean

The subtle way the rainbow of fabrics comes together in the finished quilt is just beautiful. It’s like having a little slice of summer all year round. And speaking of summer, this quilt is perfect for picnics. I can already imagine spreading it out on the grass, enjoying a sunny day with loved ones, and basking in the beauty of the quilt I made with my own two hands.

Desert Cove Quilt - The Rainbow One | A modern quilt pattern by Nollie Bean

So, what are my plans for this quilt now that it’s finished? Well, it’s definitely going to become part of my regular rotation in the living room. It’s too lovely to be tucked away. I want it to be a part of my everyday life, adding a touch of handmade warmth and color to my home.

Desert Cove Quilt - The Rainbow One | A modern quilt pattern by Nollie Bean

So, quilty friend, are you ready to make your own Desert Cove Quilt? I hope this little journey through my quilting process has inspired you to pick up your fabrics and start creating. Quilting is a wonderful adventure, full of discovery and joy. And the best part? You get to snuggle up with a beautiful quilt at the end of it. So grab your fabrics, turn on that sewing machine, and let’s create something beautiful together.

Until next time, happy quilting!
I always love to see what you make!  Tag me when you share on Instagram and use the hashtags #nolliebeanpatterns and #desertcovequilt.
  

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